Top 20 Dorm Room Essentials

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Whether you’re heading off to college or sending off a child, there are a couple of essentials you will need to be sure to pack. The most important thing to remember is that you can always make a Target run if you forget something!

The majority of first-year college students tend to over pack and with the tight space a dorm offers, there isn’t much extra storage room. So be sure to grab the essentials and save the rest for later! Once you move in, it will be easier to tell what decorations and extra amenities you might need.

20 essential items to pack before heading off to college:

Alarm clock/music player

Mattress pad

Mattress protector

Bed linens

Comforter

Laptop

Laptop lock

Outlet Strip/Surge Protector

Extension cords

Desk lamp

Clothes hangers

Laundry basket (foldable)

Bath robe

Towels

Flip-flops

Shower tote

Disinfecting wipes

Fan

Important papers (ID card, financial aid forms, shot records)

Personal medication (Make sure to register prescriptions with the campus pharmacy.)

For a list of dorm items you shouldn't take to college check out 5 Dorm Item Don'ts. For more information about college preparation view 8 tips: How to prepare for college this summer.